I have a 12’ slab of Elm I plan to make a bar top out of. It’s been kiln dried and the live edge still has 1-2” of bark. Does anyone have any idea on how to remove the bark, but still keep the integrity of the live edge? I thought of keeping the bark on for aesthetics, but not sure if it would last or how it would look over time. The live edge of the slab is very curvy due to the growth and knots of the tree.

Elm usually comes off fairly easy. (although I’ve never tried kiln dried elm). I usually use a stiff putty knife, draw knife, screw driver, or wonder bar depending on what works. I’ve tried the wire brush, if you don’t mind the textured finish it leaves.